London itinerary: how to plan 1 to 4 days in the city

To explore the best of the city, we have put together a complete guide with everything you need to know to create your own itinerary in London. Check out some itinerary options we have prepared for those staying 1, 2, 3, or 4. Good reading!

1 day itinerary in London

London is a huge city with many tourist attractions . The rich and ancient architecture amidst the modern buildings are, in themselves, an attraction.

However, if you are only going to spend one day in the city, you must make important and practical choices, so that access is close and connected by a metro line.

We have put together an itinerary for those who are only going to spend one day in the city. However, remember that you don’t need to follow the order presented exactly: it was designed to optimize your time, but there are several different combinations that can be made.

Westminster and Southbank

The first stop will be Westminster Abbey . The Gothic church is one of the city’s most important icons, where royal weddings and coronations have been celebrated, such as the most recent coronation of King Charles III.

Head to the Palace of Westminster (also known as Westminster Hall). This building is the most iconic in London, and the most famous part is Big Ben in the Elizabethan Tower.

Queen’s walk, “The Queen’s path”

“The Queen’s Way” begins here. On this path you will pass several tourist attractions on a delightful walk with views of several of the city’s icons.

This path along the banks of the River Thames is a true postcard of the busiest places in the European metropolis, covering the entire region south of the River Thames, between Lambeth Bridge and Tower Bridge . Every day, thousands of people are attracted to this location due to its proximity to London’s main tourist attractions, offering a pleasant walk amid stunning scenery.

Cross Westminster Bridge and then go down the stairs next to the gift kiosk on the opposite side of the bridge. At the bottom of the stairs, you will enjoy a spectacular view of Westminster.

2 day itinerary in London

If you are going to stay another day in the English capital, know that there is much more to do in the city. After the first day’s schedule, on the second you can learn about:

Hyde Park, Green Park and St. James Park

Get ready to walk a lot! London is full of wonderful parks , called “Royal Parks”, which are owned by the royal family. This morning is dedicated to exploring these parks, including a stroll through Hyde Park, Green Park and St. James’s Park. These huge green spaces are a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Start in Hyde Park, pass in front of Kensington Palace (where the young royals live) and visit the Memorial in honor of Princess Diana. Then walk towards Green Park.

You can walk through Green Park towards Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Park. Around Buckingham Palace there are always crowds outside the gate, and the facade is beautiful for taking photos. If you time it correctly, you can visit the Palace and adjust your visit to see the Changing of the Guard, which usually takes place at 11 am.

If you prefer, take a guided bike tour through the city’s parks, the tour lasts almost 4 hours and is a unique experience for those who want to take a more authentic London itinerary.

Discover Central London

From Buckingham, follow The Mall to Admiralty Arch and walk towards Trafalgar Square . Trafalgar Square feels like the heart of London, the epicenter from which all the streets spread out like lightning bolts.

Don’t get tired! If you need to, go and rest and come back at night to visit the center.

Walk through Picadilly Circus , one of the most famous intersections in the world, often compared to Times Square due to its giant sign. Stroll around Covent Garden and its shops, restaurants and street performers.

3 day itinerary in London

Do we have one more day in London? How wonderful, this way it is possible to create a much more complete itinerary. Know what to include on the third day.

Camden Town

Go to Camdem Town, a neighborhood with a hipster and punk history , which was once Amy Winehouse’s home and has now become a tourist spot, less alternative and more commercial. Be sure to visit the statue of rocker Amy Winehouse, located in North Yard, closest to Chalk Farm station.

Visit Camdem Market with countless food stall options, right next to the newest American fast food Shake Shak, recently opened. At the market you can find that spaghetti made inside a piece of Grana Padano cheese at the Italian stall, you know? As well as Mexican food and others.

Visit the fashion and alternative clothing market with several options and vintage leather jackets and stylized t-shirts. Be aware of counterfeit products.

Regents Park and London Zoo

From there go to Regents Park , another of London’s Royal Parks. One of the most beautiful, where the London Zoo is located. Here there is also Queen’s Mary’s Rose Garden (rose garden) which blooms in July and the garden full of tulips, which blooms in May. At the lake you have the option of renting a pedal boat to ride around.

Marylebone and Oxford Street

Walk along Marylebone High Street towards Oxford Street. You will pass by several charming shops and restaurants, before arriving at the busy Oxford Street.

You have a few options here, such as: visiting Selfridges department store, Liberty, visiting Market Halls Oxford Street, Hamleys children’s store and finally, going to Carnaby Street, and eating something at Kingly Court.

4 day itinerary in London

The fourth day of the London itinerary still has a lot to do, check it out:

Notting Hill

Start the day in Notting Hill, with its colorful and picturesque houses, the setting for the Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant film – A Place Called Notting Hill. Start at Notting Hill Gate and walk along Portobello Road Market.

The streets are made up of antique and vintage product stores, where you will find artisanal products for the home, such as antique handles and locks, leather jackets, handmade bags made of stones or metal.

Further along you will find typical street foods of various nationalities, such as chocolate crepes and Paella. The street market takes place on Fridays and Saturdays, so plan ahead.

South Kensington

Later, head towards South Kensington and enjoy the free museums . If you have children with you, explore the Natural History Museum or the Science Museum for an educational and fun experience.

Another option is the Victoria and Albert Museum, which is a renowned art and design museum dedicated to displaying a wide range of artifacts and artworks related to the fields of fashion, design, architecture, jewelry, ceramics and more.